Irish meat giant Kepak Group has acquired meat snacks producer New World Foods Europe (NWFE) from Valeo Foods Group.
Financial details of the deal were undisclosed.
The deal includes the Freshers Foods brand, its product lines and Valeo’s two manufacturing sites in Wigan and York.
In a statement, Kepak said the purchase marked a “significant milestone” in its "strategy to strengthen its presence in the high-protein snacking and food-to-go categories".
According to the Ireland-based meat producer, these segments have seen "sustained growth" in both the UK and global markets.
The newly acquired NWFE adds "a complementary range" of goods to Kepak’s portfolio, it said. These include the brands Kings, Wild West, and Cruga, "which align with growing consumer demand for convenient and nutritious snacking options”.
Brian Farrell, the CEO of Kepak's Foods Division, said the purchase of NWFE “enhances our capabilities in the ambient snacking category and adds a strong suite of established brands to our portfolio".
He added: “It supports our continued growth in both the UK and international markets, particularly across the convenience and food-to-go channels. It’s very much business as usual for both companies and our partners as we start a phased integration process.”
Valeo Foods bought NWFE in 2021 from the Australia-based FMCG entrepreneur Tony Quinn for an undisclosed amount.
The news follows Valeo Foods' acquisition earlier this month of Melegatti 1894, an Italian producer of panettone, pandoro, and croissants.
Valeo Foods, owned by private-equity firm Bain Capital, has focused its recent acquisitions on sweet snacks.
In May, the company expanded its Italian presence by acquiring Freddi Dolciaria, a business known for pre-packaged sponge cakes and Swiss rolls.
.Last September, Valeo Foods snapped up central European chocolate maker and confectioner IDC Holding
Ronald Kers, the CEO of Valeo Foods, said: "We are confident that Kepak Group is the right partner to lead New World Foods Europe into its next chapter and unlock its full potential.
“We are pleased that they are transitioning to another outstanding company where they will receive the focus and resources to grow.
“On behalf of Valeo Foods, I want to thank the many employees who supported New World Foods and have contributed to the strength of its brands,” Kers said.
“We appreciate their passion and commitment to New World Foods Europe and to Valeo Foods Group. These talented individuals are going to a fantastic organisation in Kepak, where they undoubtedly will thrive."
